According to the latest issue of The Record, published by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation, members of Rensselaer’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter are being recognized as the “best neighbor to dozens of families.” For several years, readers have asked the publication to feature chapters that are the best of the best, according to the editors. The fraternity members received the foundation’s Minerva Award for “Community Relations” which cited their decade-long effort to “practice good community relations.”

Each fall, the fraternity hosts its annual community enrichment dinner and reception, boasting attendance from Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff, and members of the Troy community. The annual event provides the fraternity members and others with an opportunity to network, foster communication, and discuss potential community service projects, among other things. The event also serves as a means of recruiting new members. “They embrace a simple concept: in order for the community to support you, you have to reach out to the community,” the publication stated.

The Minerva Awards recognize Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternities that embody the organization’s True Gentleman Initiative, which is the framework for all educational programming. The program is based on 12-core areas of chapter development and builds partnerships between the chapter, host institution, alumni, parents, and the Fraternity Service Center. Other award-winning practices include: Brotherhood/Recruitment, Philanthropy, Risk Management, Ritual, and University Relations.